HISPANIC AMERICAN LEADERSHIP
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2014
ABSTRACT
An ethnolinguistic group of Americans having a genealogical origins in the countries of Latin America and Spain are known as Hispanics. Hispanic and Latinos are racially different, although predominantly white or mestizo. Mestizo is not a race but it is a person who has both White and American Indian ancestry. As a result of their racial diversity, Hispanics form an ethnicity sharing a language (Spanish) and cultural heritage, rather than a race. American Hispanics are from …show more content…
Mexican, Puerto Rican, Salvadoran and Cuban ancestry.
This study “Hispanic American Leadership” includes the key characteristics and features of leadership style of Hispanic Americans. Additionaly this study explores the notion of leadership from a Hispanic perspective and leaders, which often emphasizes themes such as character, competence, compassion, community servant hood and role modeling received by elder Hispanics.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ABSTRACT ........................................................................................................................ ii
I – INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................... 1
Background .................................................................................................................... 1
Purpose of the Study ....................................................................................................... 6
II –Leadership....................................................................................... 9
Leadership Meaning ...................................... 9
Principles of Hispanic Leadership
- Overview
- Application ............................................................................... 10
VII—Examples of Hispanic Leaders............................................................................... 149
Rosa
Understanding Hispanic Leadership ....................................................................... 165
The “Out and Proud” Chicana Lesbian Leader ............................................. 166
Serving as a Role Model ............................................................................... 167
Leading with Commitment and Compassion ................................................ 167
Juana ........................................................................................................................... 169
Socio-cultural Experiences ................................................................................. 169
Informal Education from “Las Mujeres” ...................................................... 169
Being Community-Centered ......................................................................... 170
Valuing Education ........................................................................................ 171
Possessing Humility and Modesty ................................................................ 172
Understanding Latina Leadership ....................................................................... 173
Being a Servant Leader ................................................................................. 173
Displaying Effective Communication Skills ................................................ 175
Building a Legacy as a Role Model .............................................................. 176
Introduction to CRT/LatCrit and Intersectionality ............................................. 177
Conclusion .......................................................................................................... 185
I – INTRODUCTION
Background
There is ample research demonstrating the leadership style and characteristics of Hispanic Americans.
Hispanics and Latinos are the fastest growing ethnic group in the United States. As of 2012, Hispanics constitute 17% of the United States population, or 53 million people.
This figure includes 38 million Hispanophone Americans, making the US home to the largest community of Spanish speakers outside of Mexico, having surpassed Argentina, Colombia, and Spain within the last decade.
In relation to Hispanic leadership and how one can distinguish it from mainstream leadership traits and values, Ramirez (2006) describes a study conducted by the National Community for Latino Leadership, Inc. (NCLL), where more than 3,000 Hispanics of all backgrounds were asked to identify their visions, values, and expectations of Hispanic leaders and leadership. Through their responses, NCLL organized four clusters of traits Latinos expect their leaders to possess.
These are identified as the Four C’s of Hispanic leadership. They include
character
competence
compassion
community servanthood
Purpose of the Study
The purpose of this study was to better understand the Hispanic American leadership charachteristics and experiences of selected Hispanics Leaders. This features may inspire others or may improve their academic education.
II – Leadership
Definition
The term “leadership” can be defined in number of ways and there are various leadership traits which has been followed around world. In general leadership can be defined as
“Leadership is a process of social influence, which maximizes the efforts of others, towards the achievement of a goal.”
Principles of American Hispanic Leadership and its Application
1. The Character of the leader
Overview
• Every person has inherent worth and essential value.
• The leader’s character earns trust and respect.
• Character secures the relational aspects of leadership
• Leaders nurture other leaders and build community capacity.
Leadership Application
• Treat each person with respect regardless of status or position.
• Never forget where you come from.
• Connect to people on a personal level first.
• Always keep your word
2. Knowing Oneself and Personal Awareness
Overview
• A leader must engage in in-depth reflection and self-examination.
• Integrity requires paying close attention to one’s intuition, impulses, and motives.
• The psychology of oppression and “white privilege” are barriers to inclusion.
Leadership Application
• Examine your personal intention: Why do you do what you do?
• Listen to your intuition and “inner voice.”
• Resolve discrimination or exclusion issues.
• Develop a secure cultural identity and know your cultural assets.
3. Personal and Collective (destino)
Overview
• Every person has a distinct life path, purpose, and life pattern.
• Destino is not fatalism.
• Tapping into one’s destino brings clarity, alignment, and sense of direction.
• Powerful leaders are in sync with their destino.
Leadership Application
• Know your family history and traditions.
• Explore your heart’s desire
• Identify special skills and talents.
• Reflect on your legacy and personal vision.
• Open the door when opportunity knocks.
4. Culturally Based Leadership
Overview
• Latinos are a culture and an ethnic group, not a race.
• Seven key values are fastening points for the culture.
• A humanistic orientation (people come first) and diversity/inclusion are cultural
Mainstays.
Leadership …show more content…
Application
• Have a “We” orientation.
• Be simpatico—congenial, likable.
• Exercise respect, honesty, and generosity.
• Establish personal ties and be part of the familia.
5. Inclusiveness and Diversity
Overview
• Latinos are connected to 26 countries.
• Hispanics were added to the US census in 1980.
• Hispanics are the only group that “self-identifies” on the census.
• Latinos embrace all ages with an intergenerational spirit.
Leadership Application
• Practice bienvenido (welcome).
• Realize that because culture is learned, people can become Latino by affinity.
• Help forge a collective identity from diversity.
• Create allies, circular relationships and participation through intergenerational
Leadership.
6. Collective Community Stewardship (Junto)
Overview
• Juntos means “union, being close, joining, being together.”
• Latinos are servant leaders and community stewards.
• Leadership is conferred by the community.
• Leaders build a community of leaders and community capacity.
Leadership Application
• Work as part of the group and side by side with people.
• Follow the rules.
• Anchor collaboration with four practices: sharing a vision; integrating history and cultural traditions; sharing responsibility; and working paso a paso.
7. Global Vision and Immigrant Spirit
Overview
• The US is a nation of immigrants who bring initiative, hard work, optimism, and faith.
• Latino growth has been fueled by immigration.
• Latinos are acculturating, not assimilating. A cultural revitalization is occurring.
• Latinos are a prototype for global leadership.
Leadership Application
• Integrate the newly arrived and provide multiple services.
• Be aware that 51% of Latinos identify with their nations of origin and that this diversity must be brought together.
• Address immigration as a civil rights and advocacy issue.
• Strengthen cultural self-awareness.
8. Social Activism and Coalition Leadership
Overview
• Economic discrepancies and social inequalities drive a social activist agenda.
• Sí se puede is community organizing, coalition building, and advocacy leadership.
• The Latino model is leadership by the many.
• The inclusive Latino agenda speaks to the welfare of all Americans.
Leadership Application
• Build people’s faith that they can take action.
• Practice consistencia—perseverance and commitment
• Build networks, be inclusive, and forge coalitions.
• Be a cultural broker and build partnerships with other groups.
9. Leadership That Celebrates Life!
Overview
• Latinos have a celebratory, expressive, optimistic, and festive culture.
• Celebration strengthens bonds, a collective identity, and people’s resolve.
• Latinos are stirring the salsa and gusto into leadership.
• Communication is key for getting things done through people.
Leadership Application
• Allow time to socialize.
• Communicate with carisma (charisma), cariño, (affection), and corazón (heart).
• Speak the “people’s language” and be a translator for the mainstream culture.
• Always serve food.
• Keep a “cultural balance” and exercise strategic thinking and problem solving.
10. Sustained by Faith and Hope
Overview
• Optimism is esperanza, or hope—an essential Latino quality.
• Gracias (being grateful) allows people to be generous and give back.
• Latino spirituality centers on relationships and responsibility.
• Spirituality is a moral obligation to ensure others’ well-being and the collective good.
Leadership Application
• Be bold—have the faith and courage to make unpopular decisions.
• Practice humility, modesty, and courtesy, the foundation for the leader as equal.
• Be clear on your purpose and serve something greater. This lessens self-importance.
• Tap into optimism, gratitude, and faith to inspire and motivate people.
EXAMPLES OF HISPANIC LEADERSHIP
MARIA - Hispanic President of University
Understanding Hispanic Leadership
Maria is that she valued open communication, being collaborative, and maintaining a compassionate family-like atmosphere. These themes have provided a framework for how Maria leads her constituents within her institution.
Open Communication
As president of a university, Maria stressed the importance of open communication with her constituents. Maria’s open communication is also present in her everyday work. Maria values the process of being honest and forthcoming with her faculty and staff. She shares everything with her team; nothing is hidden. Maria’s open communication increases the trust and confidence that her staff and faculty have in her.
Collaboration
Within this collaborative setting, Maria is adamant that one practice in particular is followed; everyone must call her by her first name and not Doctor or President. She does this because she believes it increases collaboration, especially when working on difficult issues.
Authenticity
Maria’s leadership encompasses authenticity; many faculty and staff use terms such as “real” or “genuine” when describing her. She is also known to mix in her jovial sense of humor at the most opportune times. One of the most memorable times Maria’s authentic leadership was demonstrated was during a school pep rally
Displaying Compassion
Bordas (2007) states that Latina leaders embrace concepts such as social justice, equality, and compassion in all that they do. Maria exhibits compassion, especially when it relates to issues facing students. He noted that Maria steps out of her presidential role and into a mother-like role, taking students’ issues and crises personally.
ROSA
Rosa’s experiences are reflected in Mendez-Morse (2000) and (“Practical Wisdom: Where Leadership Is Really Learned,” 2005) which note that Hispanic leaders reflect on the teachings of other Hispanics in their lives, usually their mothers, who show them that the power and resilience they possess as leaders comes from her cultural pride.
In Rosa’s case, she is not just a president but a Chicana president who honors her cultural pride in all she does.
Understanding Latina Leadership
Rosa has demonstrated leadership skills throughout her life from assisting in the recruitment and retention of Latino graduate students, to leading her college as a open and proud Chicana lesbian, to serving as a role model to other emerging Latina students at her college. But most importantly, Rosa is known by members of her faculty and staff as a leader who shows commitment and compassion, especially when it relates to her students achieving academic parity.
Expressing Compassion
Rosa stated that throughout her life, her father modeled the act of being compassionate, which she now believes resonates in her personal and professional experiences
Expressing Modesty and
Humility
Other socio-cultural values Rosa learned from her upbringing are the concepts of modesty and humility. As a child, Rosa recognized that money was hard to come by in her family so she was humbled by all that was given to her.